The average person thinks of mental
illness as mysterious. Ask him what it is he will probably say, "Mental illness
is what makes a person crazy. "But when we press for the definition of
"craziness", his hazy will likely is that a crazy person acts and talks
strangely and may be impulsive and even dangerous.
Fortunately, medical science has removed a great deal of mystery from mental
illness. And now with vastly improved technique we better understand the
problem, its causes, and how to prevent it. Mental illness and mental health are
relative terms. In order to understand better the relationship between mental
health and mental illness, let us first define mental health.
WHAT CHARACTERIZES MENTAL HEALTH?
The person who enjoys good mental heath, generally speaking, is happy, buoyant,
energetic and peace loving. He is more or less self-confident, but not
overbearing. He knows his own limitations but is not discouraged by them, for he
is also aware of his personal assets. For the most part he enjoys life. He likes
most people and respects their individualities. He makes mistakes but is able to
recognize them as such and tries to avoid making them again. He is able to make
decisions and carry them out. He has loves and hates and sympathies, but he is
able to keep his emotions under control instead allowing them to control him.
From this we see that a person in good mental health is one who gets along well
in life. Not necessarily outstanding, he is in worthless content with person
attainments and satisfied with the progress he is making toward his goals.
WHAT IS MENTAL ILLNESS?
Even though illness of the body and illness of the mind are closely inter
elated, there is an obvious difference in their manifestations. Illness of the
body produces symptoms relating to body functions.
Examples are cough, fever, pain, diarrhea, nausea, or breathlessness. Mental
illness, on the other hand, produces symptoms relating to one's thoughts,
emotions, and patterns of conduct here we may have depression, suspicion,
unwarranted fears, mania, delusions, hallucinations, and with drawl from
reality.
HOW COMMON?
Because the definition of mental illness is not precise, it is impossible to
know exactly how many people suffer from it. But experts in the field have made
some helpful approximations. One authority state that at present rates, one out
of every twelve Americans experience some from of definitive mental illness
during his lifetime. Other states that on any given day, I present of the total
population in the United States is incapacitated by some from of mental illness.
DANGER SIGNS:
Certain signs indicate the danger of mental illness. Inability to relax and
persistent fatigue are two examples. Every one gets tired, of courses, but
tiredness should not last too long. Normally a good night's sleep should refresh
a person. When an individual feels "All keyed up," When he has difficulty in
getting to sleep, and when he has terrorizing dreams, the indications are that
his mental health is declining.
Loss of interest in one's affairs is another unfavorable sign. Inability to
control one's thoughts may be a danger signal. When the student finds his mind
wandering aimlessly; when the schoolteacher can't keep up with her duties; when
the Stenographer catches herself making frequent serious errors-then a checkup
is in order .Forgetfulness is another danger sign.
WHAT TO DO?
Suppose some of the danger signs just listed are present in your case. What
should you do about it? The first step is to search for the underlying stress or
unsolved problem, whatever it may be. If you are disappointed in not having
reached a cherished goal, get busy with plans for the future instead of brooding
over the past. And in making these plans; make them realistic, reasonably within
your ability to carry out. If someone has betrayed your confidence, don't lose
faith in humanity. Learn the lesson that the experience can teach; plan a way of
avoiding similar trouble next time, and then start over.
Once you have found the trouble and remedied it as best you can, set about to
improve your moral. This consists of more than biting your lip to keep from
complaining. Emphasize the positive of living. Think courageously and then act
the part.
The person with good moral keeps clearly in mind his reason for living. He has a
goal and is interested in making in progress toward it. He has faith-faith in
mankind, in the future, in God. He can rise above life's grievances. This
appointments and rebuffs do not get him down. He has courage that faced the
future.